Weather permitted

Finally the clocks have changed! It can still be nippy out, but when the sun shines, it really shines. I don’t know about you but we’re ready to forget winter.

Even when it rains (let’s be honest, it’s still Ireland), peering out through the clouds isn’t quite as bad if it’s bright.

Body-clocking

The time change might have slipped by you yesterday, it was Sunday after all. But chances are you felt more groggy than usual this morning: losing an hour’s sleep is no laughing matter.

Overall though, the longer days should help to improve sleeping patterns as it’s easier to get up when it’s bright.

Also, the extra daylight helps to re-set our body’s circadian rhythms – the mechanism that keeps our natural cycles in check, things like digestion and when we feel tired etc.

Happy days

If you’re working hard studying for exams you might not relish the added distraction of brighter evenings. But, there’s no denying it, that extra hour positively impacts our mental health.

Extended evenings can give us more energy, more time and generally helps us feel more positive. Exercise is suddenly more appealing, socialising is easier and the urge to hibernate disappears as we speed through spring.

Sun?

We’re all holding onto the memories of last summer. Some are even holding onto to their tans, albeit with help from a bottle. But who can blame them? It was glorious.

It’s too early to tell what summer will be like, but the longer, lighter nights are giving us glimmers of hope.

Appreciate what we have

However, rather than looking forward, it’s worthwhile to simply be aware of the daylight we’re getting. Think about how nice it is to leave the back door open in the evening, or kick a ball about without catching pneumonia.

All the extra stuff – exercise, vitamin D from sunlight etc. is brilliant, but just noticing how much better you feel in the evening is a great step in helping to mind your mental health.